dZouk sometimes offers classes that are a mix of two levels of content or progress at a very fast pace. For example, the Zouk 1/2 Fast-Track offers content that covers both Zouk 1 as well as Zouk 2 modules A and B. This is currently offered on Thursdays at 7 p.m.

You can check our programs page. 

Sundays: Zouk in Toronto Sunday Social: 7-10 p.m.

Thursdays: Zouk Loft Social & Practica: 9:45-11:30 p.m.

You should bring indoor shoes, a water bottle, deodorant, and mints/gum. If you sweat a lot, we also recommend bringing a change of shirt.

Zouk can be danced in flat or heeled shoes, but we recommend flat shoes for new dancers. This is because dancing in heels requires more balance, core stability, and ankle/leg strength.

Many people dance in latin heels, jazz shoes, taygras, or dance sneakers. If you don’t have dance shoes, we recommend a shoe that has a more slippery sole.

Some dancers may be used to putting baby powder on the floor to help them spin. We do NOT allow baby powder on our floor. This is because it is a sprung hardwood floor, and baby powder can ruin the finish and make the floor unsafe for people in dance shoes.

Zouk has a leader and a follower in each dance. Historically, if you think of old dance movies, the leader was the “male” role and follower the “female” role. Nowadays, people dance whichever they like more – and many do both!

Zouk is a partner dance, which means things like sweat, body odour, and breath can affect someone besides you. Dancers are expected to come to class or socials with this in mind. This can include:

• Showering before class and wearing clean clothes;
• Wearing deodorant and using mints or gum,
• Avoiding certain foods on class days, and,
• Bringing extra shirts if you sweat a lot.

It’s not considered rude to (nicely) let someone know if their breath or body smells. Typically, we suggest dancers go to the washroom to freshen up or offer a mint or gum.

Each social dance has its own dance “culture”. This includes how someone asks for a dance, how long each dance lasts, and other unspoken communication rules.

Asking for a dance & feedback

In Zouk, anyone can ask for a dance – but we are also expected to accept a “no” response. It is also considered impolite to provide feedback to dance partners or ask for feedback on the social floor.

The two times it is okay to provide feedback is if a first-time dancer asks for help with a basic step, or if your partner is making you uncomfortable. If you’re uncomfortable, the best way to provide feedback is to ask for what you need (for example, “I’d like a little more room instead of dancing in close hold, please.”)

How long to dance & ending a dance

The average Brazilian Zouk dance lasts 1 to 3 songs, but some people can dance much longer together if they’re in a very good flow. To end a dance, listen for a music transition (we don’t stop the music) and then give a bit of a squeeze (either in a hug or of the hands) and say “thank you.”

While it’s generally not polite to end a dance midway through a song, sometimes that can accidentally happen if songs don’t have a clear transition, or if there is a personal reason someone needs to leave a dance early. If you’re not sure when a transition is happening, you can ask your partner for help.

Close Hold vs. Open Hold

Brazilian Zouk is often danced close together. However, this is not required or expected – especially for beginners. If someone tries to dance closer to you than you are comfortable with, you can ask them for more space. This is not considered rude, and your partner should listen to you without making you feel bad.

Our Code of Conduct is designed to help us keep our community safe and happy. Our expectations are as follows:

1. Community Spirit: Treat each other with kindness, respect, and dignity, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity, and dance level or role.
2. Positive Partnership: Endeavour to be a good dance partner, including by not giving unsolicited feedback, respecting boundaries stated or shown by partners, and dancing safely.
3. Respecting the Space: Clean up after yourself and take care of the space, including not using baby powder or outside shoes and throwing away garbage.
4. Self-Responsibility: Take responsibility for your own feelings and actions, including by learning to accept a “no”, being open to feedback about behaviour, and practicing good hygiene.

If you feel like someone has not respected the Code of Conduct or you need more support, tell one of our teachers and they can help you resolve it.